Guest authored for At The Lake by EveryLibrary and the Lake Geneva Public Library
There’s nothing quite like reading on the beach on a beautiful day. It’s a great way to spend a day at the beach: you can relax, take in some fresh air and experience the magic of literature all at once. If you’re looking for a great book to throw in your beach tote this summer, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite beach reads set in the Upper Midwest. Because what’s better than reading about this beautiful part of the country in the summer? Actually being here.
The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert
“The Kindred Spirits Supper Club” follows journalist Sabrina Monroe as she returns to her home state of Wisconsin. Once there, she reconnects with figures from her past — but with them comes her old family curse, allowing her to see ghosts of the deceased. However, it also commits her to helping them resolve the things they couldn’t in life.
Eventually, she meets a man at a local restaurant and begins to develop feelings for him. What follows is a witty and heartwarming rom-com that’ll leave any reader enthralled.
You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
“You Deserve Each Other” is the story of a Wisconsin couple, Naomi Westfield and Nicholas Rose. Outwardly, their relationship appears to be perfect, but in reality, both of them are miserable and want to break things off.
The problem? The wedding has already been booked, the bill is nonrefundable and whoever leaves first will be stuck with it. The two engage in a prank war in an attempt to be the last person standing, but Naomi soon realizes that she may not want out of this relationship as much as she thought she did.
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
“Part of Your World” follows Alexis Montgomery, the daughter of a long line of world-renowned surgeons. Though it goes against her family’s wishes, she aspires to be an ER doctor to help as many people as possible.
However, when she meets Daniel, a small-town Minnesota carpenter, everything changes. She instantly falls for him and realizes that she can’t stand the idea of letting him go. But staying with him means leaving behind her big-city life and the predetermined path her family has set out for her. With so much on the line, which will she choose?
Four Weekends and a Funeral by Ellie Palmer
“Four Weekends and a Funeral” isn’t expected to be released until August 6th, but it has already received critical acclaim from reviewers and fellow authors alike.
The novel follows Alison Mullaly, a Minnesota woman who is still recovering from a recent double mastectomy. She attends her ex-boyfriend’s funeral out of respect, only to learn that he seemingly failed to tell his family that they had broken up. She plays along in an effort to keep the peace but is soon saddled with the responsibility of cleaning out Sam’s old apartment.
There, she meets Sam’s best friend, Adam Berg. Though their relationship is initially rocky, chemistry soon blossoms between them. But as far as Adam knows, Alison is still grieving the loss of her partner. How will the two navigate this situation, and will Alison come clean in the end?
How Libraries Can Help You Find Your Next Beach Read
So, how can your local library help you get reading material for your next day of relaxing by the lake? Believe it or not, most public libraries offer more than just your standard paperback.
Of course, print books are still available, but your library can also provide access to e-books and audiobooks. So, no matter which format you prefer, you’ll never run out of free and easily accessible new beach reads.
And we’re extra lucky here, because the Lake Geneva Public Library meets readers where they are — literally! The library’s outreach manager, Maria, is a familiar sight as she cruises around town on her bright orange book bike, taking books to the farmer’s market, YMCA and local retirement homes. There’s no wrong way to use the library, and the library staff encourages both residents and visitors to use the library in whatever way suits them; for books, of course, but also as a place to hang out and enjoy the incredible views of Geneva Lake; as a source for streaming films; even as a stop for notary services (offered free of charge!).
This article is a guest web exclusive collaboration between EveryLibrary and the Lake Geneva Public Library. To learn more about EveryLibrary’s work supporting library funding in the United States, or learn more about Lake Geneva Public Library’s upcoming Manhattan Short Film Festival, visit their websites.
